And David spake unto the LORD when he saw the angel that smote the people, and said, Lo, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly: but these sheep, what have they done? let thine hand, I pray thee, be against me, and against my father’s house.
When David saw the angel who was striking down the people, he spoke to the LORD and said, 'Look, I have sinned and done wrong. But these people are like innocent sheep - what have they done? Please let your punishment fall on me and my family instead.'
David takes full responsibility for his sin and pleads with God to punish him instead of the innocent people who are suffering because of his actions.
📚 Historical Context
In the biblical narrative of 2 Samuel, King David had ordered a census of Israel, which was viewed as an act of pride and distrust in God's provision, leading to divine displeasure. As punishment, God sent a devastating plague through an angel, and David witnessed this destruction firsthand. Overcome with remorse, David confessed his sin and pleaded for mercy, asking that the judgment fall on him and his family rather than on the innocent people.
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